The Czech Republic and Slovakia are located in the heart of central Europe with a four seasons climate. On a map, the two countries combined are somewhat shaped like a jagged club, with the "head" being the Czech Republic and the "handle", Slovakia. They are divided in half by the Morava River which runs north from the Danube all the way to Poland. the White Carpathian Mountains are on the western side of the river and are called "Karpaty".

The eastern side cuts through the hills of Moravia and are called "Krekonsis". The northern side of the Czech Republic is known as Bohemia and is roughly a diamond shaped plateau, with Prague in the middle.

To the north, the Giant Mountains called Sudentenland have been shared throughout history with Germany and Poland. It was an industrial region and mining area for coal, gold, and silver. Lead from the mines is used to make fine crystal. In summer, it is a paradise for hikers on walking tours who like to be close to nature. In winter, the mountains are topped with snow, and popular ski resorts are located in the Spinderle Mlyn (Spindler's Mill) where the Elbe River originates from natural springs and runs through Bohemia and Germany to the North Sea.

To the east, the Kutna Hory Mountains are famous for hotels and resort spas where healing waters and mineral baths, as well as the pure mountain air, are said to heal people with illnesses. Karlovy Vary is a well known spa, where doctors give prescriptions for patients to go there for healing.

To the south, also on the border of Germany, are the Bohemian Forests, which are known for natural beauty and rolling countrysides with rich soil for farming and apple and cherry orchards. Beer is made from "hops" in Pilzen and Czesky Budevice. The Danube and Morava Rivers, on a winding course, form the southern border of the Czech Republic and Austria. In Moravia (the southwest corner of the Czech Republic), grape vineyards are harvested for wine-making near the towns of Hodonin and Brno.

For more about the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the customs, and the people, click here to order the books by Donna Moran, the American Teacher in Czechoslovakia.